5 Worthwhile Home Renovations For Older Homes

Older homes are often charming and full of character, but can come with some issues. Renovating an older home means getting to keep the unique character of the house, while also creating a home full of more modern comforts. Renovations can quickly add up, so it's important to carefully choose where to spend your money and time. Here are five home renovations that will add value and comfort to your older home:

Brighten up with New Paint

A new paint job can instantly freshen and perk up the entire look of a house. Best of all, painting is relatively easy and doesn't cost much money, making it a low commitment renovation. Older homes often feel a bit dark and oppressive, but the simple change of painting the walls light, airy colors can change this and make things feel more expansive.

For bonus points, and to improve your curb appeal, consider having the outside of your home painted as well. Just remember to have the house pressure washed first, in order to remove old peeling paint, dirt and debris, creating a smooth canvas for the paint.

Replace Old Windows

Your charming old house might feel a little less charming when it's the middle of the winter and it feels like every bit of cold air is making its way inside. Old homes are notoriously drafty, but it doesn't have to be that way. Replacing old windows with modern, well-sealed, more energy-efficient ones will make your home much more comfortable.

Not only will a home with replacement windows retain much more heat (and leave the cold outside) in the winter, but it will also keep your home cooler in the summer. New windows might save you a lot of money in the long run, since your energy bills will likely be lower. Your window sales representative will be able to work with you to find beautiful new windows that complement the more vintage look of your older home instead of clashing with it.

Update Your Appliances

Replacing old, inefficient appliances with new modern ones can make a huge difference in your day-to-day life. You can choose new appliances that have a more attractive appearance and better suit your taste and sense of aesthetics. On a practical level, new appliances are often easier to use, roomier, and much more energy-efficient. Try to purchase appliances that meet the government's energy recommendations, as these are the most likely to save you money on your monthly energy bills.

Finish the Basement

A finished basement can significantly expand your livable space, and can be used for a multitude of purposes. Your newly finished basement may house a cozy den or movie room, an exercise room, an extra guest bedroom, or even a new home office. A remodeled, nicely insulated basement will also retain more heat or air conditioning. Finishing a basement is an especially attractive option in a smaller old home with limited living or bedroom space, especially if you intend to expand your family.

Add a Deck

A deck makes an older home more comfortable by instantly adding great indoor-outdoor space. Adding an outdoor deck is an especially good idea if your older home is a little on the small side, as it provides your family with additional space to spend time together.

Once you have the deck built, a simple patio table with chairs and a grill are all you need to start taking advantage of the new space. With an outdoor deck you may find that you entertain more often, as you can have outdoor BBQs and dinner parties, without needing to cram friends and family inside your kitchen and living room.

By making these home renovations, you will upgrade your home's comfort level without throwing your money away on less worthwhile improvements.

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About Me

Hello, my name is Bonny Cooke. Welcome. I am here to talk to you about large equipment and tools used in the construction field. When a construction company began erecting a huge apartment building next door to my dwelling, I was given a crash course on heavy equipment and tools. I instantly fell in love with the way the machinery effortlessly completed each task to move the project forward. On this site, I hope to explore the various functions of each type of equipment and tools used on construction sites. Please feel free to come by on a routine basis to learn all you can about this subject.